The ten hairpin bends of La Taillade in Tarassac

Park at the Gorges d'Héric car park. Other car parks are available further along the route, including the one at the Orb water sports centre.

(S/E) Follow the tree-lined path down to Verdier Bas and pass under the Passa-Païs greenway bridge.

(1) Continue south after the hamlet until you reach a crossroads with a small car park for a few cars.

(2) Continue straight ahead towards the road connecting Bédarieux to Mons-la-Trivalle (D908).

(3) First turn left then right to cross the curved departmental road and take the Route de Vieussan. Cross the Tarassac bridge over the Orb river.

(4) Turn left onto an uphill road (Rue du Four) that crosses the hamlet of Tarassac. Continue uphill, cross the old holiday centre and arrive at the Col des Parties.

(5) Continue straight ahead and take the DFCI AVF4 road. The climb becomes steeper and there are ten hairpin bends.

(6) At the ninth hairpin bend, there is an alternative route that shortens the hike by turning right. Otherwise (choice of route), continue uphill to reach a crossroads after a final hairpin bend that is slightly longer than the others: you can take a break at the hunters' hut, which has an outdoor table.

(7) Turn right and head for cistern 307. After the cistern, take the steep path downhill on the left. Walking poles may be useful on this schistose terrain. Reach the end of the short alternative route, then continue down the switchbacks until you reach the road through the Orb valley between Vieussan and Tarassac (D14).

(8) Carefully take this road on the right towards Tarassac.

(9) Leave the D14 on the left towards the campsite. Cross the campsite and go through a gate (normally open) to reach the beach on the banks of the Orb.

(10) Turn back, go through the gate again in the opposite direction and take the tarmac path on the left that runs alongside the campsite pitches. This path becomes a track along the banks of the Orb, which leads back to the D14 via a final climb.

(4) Turn left, cross the Tarassac bridge again and follow the outward route in the opposite direction to return to the Gorges d'Héric car park (S/E).

Avoid this hike in the middle of summer due to the sun, or set off early in the morning.

The Gorges d'Héric car park, which charges a fee in July, August and September, can be avoided by setting off from near the hamlet of Verdier Bas between (1) and (2) or from Tarassac after point (4).

You will encounter a schistose terrain on the descent between and, and walking sticks may be useful.

Between (8) and (9), you will be on the Orb Valley road between Tarassac and Vieussan; this road is winding and busy with little space for pedestrians. We recommend that you exercise extreme caution

Viewpoints to the north over the Caroux and to the south over the Orb valley.